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“When did you start writing?” I ask.
Stone swallows again, then replies, “My whole life.” For some reason, his answer doesn’t surprise me. Maybe it’s because he has a definite talent, and that’s not something someone can pick up in a year or two. “I started writing stories when I was a kid,” he continues. “I loved reading, and books would always inspire other stories I’d want to write. My mom couldn’t afford to pay for sports teams for me to play on, but she could afford to take me to the local library, as well as buy cheap notebooks of paper for me to write on.”
For a moment, I’m speechless. What an incredibly positive thing to come out of a poor childhood. “Wow. That’s amazing,” is all I can think of to say.
He shrugs before shoving some fries in his mouth. I look out at the ocean, remembering he mentioned he grew up near Parkland. It’s on the other side of Tacoma from where I grew up, but I can relate to him growing up poor. My mom was a single mom, too, and my dad was in and out of my life. I couldn’t afford to participate in a lot of extracurriculars either.
“So, how long have you lived here?” Stone asks, pulling my attention back to him. Before I can answer, though, he holds up his container of fries toward me. “Want some?”
I smile at his offer. “Sure. Thanks,” I reply before taking a couple of fries from him. After I swallow, I answer his question, “I’ve been in Seaside for a couple of years now. I moved out here after I lost my job.”
“Oh, that sucks. What did you used to do?” he asks.
“I worked as a paralegal. After I graduated with my certificate in paralegal studies, I landed my dream job at one of the best law firms in Tacoma, and I worked there for two years. Then, they had to let me go due to budget cuts. Apparently, they were one of the best law firms, but they were really shitty about spending money.”
Stone’s face scrunches up. “Ouch. I’m sorry you lost your dream job. Do you want to get back into paralegal work?”
I shrug, then look out at the ocean. “I’ve considered it, but I’ve learned to love the slower-paced life I’m living now.” I look back to him and smile. “Moving to Seaside changed my life––in a good way.”
His mouth turns up in a smile, and my stomach flips. He’s so damn sexy.
“Does your family still live in Tacoma?” he asks before taking a sip of his soda.
I take a drink of my wine before answering. “No. My mom moved back to Wenatchee, where she grew up and her whole family lives. My dad was always in and out of my life growing up, but he now lives in Kernville, California. It’s a small town near Bakersfield.”
He nods. “So, no ties in Tacoma anymore? You never visit?”
“Well, not exactly. My two best friends still live there, and we keep in touch. I usually visit Tacoma once a year to spend time with them, but they like to come here, too. In fact, we’re trying to plan a visit with each other soon.”
“That’s awesome. It’s good to have lifelong friends. I’m still close with my best bud from growing up, too. He still lives in the Parkland area, but we’re still tight and hang out when we can.”
I smile. “That’s so cool.”
Is there anything about this man that Idon’tlike? Surely, there must be something awful about him I’m sure to find out. He seems too good to be true.
Neither of us says anything for a few minutes as he finishes his food, and we enjoy the view in front of us. The sun is setting, and the orange and pink hews in the sky are breathtaking. This view never gets old.
Stone crumples his burger wrapper and throws it into the brown paper bag, along with the empty fry container, then rolls the top of the paper bag down. I’m expecting him to get up and leave, but he doesn’t move.
“So, tell me about this Seaside Festival? Are there lots of fun things going on? All I know about is the book signing event.”
“Oh, yes, there’s tons going on,” I reply, relieved that he’s not getting up to leave yet. I enjoy talking with him. “There’s a carnival, music festival, and lots of other little events going on. It’s the most exciting time of year here in Seaside.”
Stone looks as if he just remembered something. “That’s right. I remember hearing on the radio awhile back that there were some musical artists coming to Seaside this summer for some music festival. I didn’t put two and two together until you just said that.”
“I’ll actually be stopping by the book signing tomorrow,” I say, and his face lights up.
“Will you, really? Getting some books signed by your favorite authors?”
I shake my head. “No. I’m helping my friend deliver cupcakes.”
His eyebrows knit in. “Cupcakes?”
“Yes. She and her family own a bakery, and they were hired to bake several dozen cupcakes with cute fondant books adorning each one. I guess they double-booked themselves for tomorrow and also have a wedding cake to deliver somewhere, so she needs an extra hand. I told her I’d help her decorate and deliver the cupcakes.”
His eyebrows shoot up. “Decorate? You’re going to help her decorate them, too?”
I chuckle. “Yep. Baking is a hobby of mine. I actually worked at a bakery while I was in college. I learned quite a few tricks of the trade, and I’m a decent cake decorator. I met Anni when I stopped inside her family’s bakery one day, shortly after I moved here, when I considered working somewhere other than here at the inn. We became fast friends, and the rest is history.”
